Back to Resources

Drawing Naming Conventions

Standard prefixes, sheet numbering systems, and file naming protocols for construction documentation

Why Consistent Naming Matters

Standardised drawing naming conventions ensure all project stakeholders can quickly locate and identify documents. Consistent naming reduces errors, improves document control, and streamlines the construction process from design through to handover.

Discipline Prefixes

Drawing prefixes identify the discipline or trade responsible for the document. These prefixes form the first part of the drawing number.

General & Survey

GGeneral / Cover Sheets
SKSketch
SUSurvey
SDShop Drawings

Architectural

AArchitectural
ADArchitectural Details
AIInterior Design
ALLandscape Architecture

Structural

SStructural
SDStructural Details
SFStructural Formwork
SRStructural Reinforcement

Civil

CCivil
CDCivil Details
CGCivil Grading
CSCivil Stormwater

Mechanical

MMechanical
MDMechanical Details
MHHVAC
MFFire Services

Electrical

EElectrical
EDElectrical Details
ELElectrical Lighting
EPElectrical Power

Hydraulic/Plumbing

HHydraulic
PPlumbing
HDHydraulic Details
HGGas Services

Communications & Security

TTelecommunications
ECCommunications
ESSecurity Systems
FAFire Alarm

Drawing Type Codes

Drawing type codes identify what the drawing represents (plan, section, elevation, etc.). These codes typically follow the discipline prefix.

00
Cover Sheet / Index
Drawing list and project info
01
General Notes
Specifications and standards
10
Site Plan
Overall site layout
11
Demolition Plan
Items to be removed
20
Floor Plan
Horizontal layout views
21
Reflected Ceiling Plan
Ceiling layouts
22
Roof Plan
Roof layout and drainage
30
Elevation
External facade views
31
Internal Elevation
Interior wall views
40
Section
Building cross-sections
50
Detail
Enlarged detail drawings
60
Schedule
Door, window, finish schedules
70
Diagram
Schematic diagrams
80
3D View
Isometric / perspective
90
As-Built
Record drawings

Sheet Numbering Systems

There are several common approaches to sheet numbering. The most widely adopted formats combine discipline, level/zone, and sequence information.

Standard Format: Discipline + Level + Type + Sequence

A Discipline
-
02 Level
-
20 Type
-
01 Sequence

Example: A-02-20-01 = Architectural Level 2 Floor Plan Sheet 1

Component Description Example Values
Discipline Single or double letter code for trade A, S, M, E, H
Level/Zone Building level or project zone B1 (basement), 00 (ground), 01-99, RF (roof)
Drawing Type Type of view or information 20 (plan), 30 (elevation), 40 (section)
Sequence Sequential sheet number 01, 02, 03...

Common Examples

A-00-00-01 Architectural Cover Sheet
A-00-20-01 Architectural Ground Floor Plan Sheet 1
A-01-20-01 Architectural Level 1 Floor Plan Sheet 1
A-XX-30-01 Architectural Elevations Sheet 1 (XX = all levels)
S-00-20-01 Structural Ground Floor Plan
M-02-70-01 Mechanical Level 2 Schematic Diagram
E-01-20-01 Electrical Level 1 Floor Plan

Pro Tip

Leave gaps in sequence numbers (01, 05, 10...) to allow for future additions without renumbering entire sets. This is especially useful for multi-stage projects.

File Naming Conventions

Digital file names should include project identification, drawing number, revision, and optionally a brief description. Consistent naming enables efficient file management and retrieval.

Recommended File Name Format

PRJ001 Project Code
_
A-01-20-01 Drawing Number
_
C Revision

Example: PRJ001_A-01-20-01_C.pdf

Component Format Description
Project Code XXXXXX Unique project identifier (6-8 characters)
Drawing Number X-XX-XX-XX Full drawing number as per sheet
Revision A, B, C... or P01, P02 Current revision letter/number
Description _FloorPlan Optional brief description (no spaces)

File Naming Rules

Avoid spaces, special characters, and excessively long names. Use underscores or hyphens as separators. Keep names under 50 characters where possible for compatibility across systems.

Revision Control

Revision control tracks changes throughout the design and construction process. Use a consistent system to identify drawing status and change history.

Revision Stage Description
P01, P02... Preliminary Draft/preliminary issues for internal review
T01, T02... Tender Issued for pricing/tendering
A, B, C... Construction Issued for construction (IFC)
AB01, AB02... As-Built Record drawings post-construction

Common Issue Status Codes

PRELIMINARY Draft for internal review only
FOR APPROVAL Submitted for client/authority approval
FOR TENDER Issued for contractor pricing
FOR CONSTRUCTION Approved for building (IFC)
AS-BUILT Final record of completed work

Revision Best Practice

Always cloud and delta mark changes between revisions. Include a revision table in the title block documenting the date, revision, and description of each issue.